AI Literacy Under the AI Act: Tracing the Evolution of a Weakened Norm

The European Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act introduces a provision on AI literacy in its Article 4. This concept aligns with broader efforts of the European Union (EU) to enhance workforce competencies in response to emerging technologies. Initially introduced in June 2023, the provision on AI literacy was conceived as a comprehensive obligation for the Union, its Member States, and for providers and deployers of AI systems. However, its original scope was significantly pared down during the final trilogue negotiations. In this article, we examine the legislative background and evolution of AI literacy in the EU AI Act. We elaborate on the implications of the changes during the policy discussions, highlighting some concerns about the amendments that occurred and the provision’s efficacy in implementation. We further contribute to the literature by exploring potential reasons for these changes, including efforts to minimize administrative burdens and the influence of Big Tech lobbying.

Ryan Watkins

Professor at George Washington University

I am a Professor with Human-Technology Collaboration and Educational Technology programs at George Washington University in Washington DC. I have written 12 books and more than 100 articles, and I co-host of the Parsing Science podcast where scientists tell the stories behind their research. I am also the developer of the WeShareScience.com online platform for sharing research videos, and SciencePods.com where researchers can create free podcasts about their science. My research interests include human interactions with intelligent machines, needs, needs assessments, and instructional design.